Gunnar Redding Bible was a 16-year-old football player at Loganville High School in the Atlanta area. While he had yet to take his football talent to college, he passed away after a courageous health battle on May 27.

Last week, Loganville High School shared the news on Facebook on behalf of his family, per People. The post confirmed that Bible, who was part of the high school's football team, passed away after a battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome, pneumonia, and lupus.

"After a long and courageous battle, Gunnar transitioned Wednesday," the school's message was simple and heartfelt. "Thank you, Gunna, for your strength, your heart, and the impact you made on our team and our community. You will never be forgotten."

Bible's battle was especially courageous given the rarity of the condition. According to Pulmonary Advisor, Guillain-Barré syndrome affects approximately 0.6 to 1.9 people per 100,000 annually. At the same time, it's more common among adults.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Guillain-Barré is "a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, and can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis."

Lupus, meanwhile, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs.

Bible's mother, Teresa Redding, had set up a GoFundMe last month after he was admitted to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. She described the moment everything changed for her family.

"He is only 16, has been an athlete his entire life, and now he is incapable of moving his limbs," Teresa wrote on the GoFundMe page. "He has been on a respirator since admission."

As weeks passed, his condition worsened. Teresa later wrote that Bible was only able to communicate through blinks. The family had raised more than $9,000 through the GoFundMe to help cover his medical bills.

Gunnar Redding Bible Left a Mark That Goes Beyond Football

Loganville High School made clear this was not just a loss for the football program. Bible was described as someone who impacted his classmates, coaches, and teachers alike.

Loganville head football coach Nic Snowden spoke about the loss after the news broke.

"We will all miss you dearly Gunnar," Snowden said, per Atlanta News First.

The school held a balloon release in Bible's honor at Loganville High School this past weekend.

Dealing with three serious health conditions at such a young age was a difficult task. His prolonged fight underscored the determination he showed throughout his journey.

How are you remembering Gunnar Redding Bible? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Farheen Fathima

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar